English Cocker Spaniel vs Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting · Medium vs Sporting · Large
English Cocker SpanielMedium
A merry, sturdy, friendly gundog — the original woodcock specialist, leggier than its American cousin.
Weight: 28–34 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Irish Water SpanielLarge
A playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail.
Weight: 55–68 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 28–34 lbs for the English Cocker Spaniel.
- • The English Cocker Spaniel typically lives longer (12–14 years).
- • The Irish Water Spaniel sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | English Cocker Spaniel | Irish Water Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Sporting |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | England | Ireland |
Height (male) | 16–17" | 22–24" |
Height (female) | 15–16" | 21–23" |
Weight (male) | 28–34 lbs | 55–68 lbs |
Weight (female) | 26–32 lbs | 45–58 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 12–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | long | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
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About the English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a merry, sturdy, friendly gundog — the original woodcock specialist, leggier than its American cousin. Originally from England, this medium sporting breed typically weighs 28–34 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as merry, sturdy, friendly.
About the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–68 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as playful, hardworking, brave.
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English Cocker Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Ear infections
- • Eye disorders
Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism